Easy Cream Cheese Danish Recipe

If you’re craving a warm, sweet pastry that’s both indulgent and easy to make, this Easy Cream Cheese Danish is exactly what you need. With flaky, buttery puff pastry filled with a smooth cream cheese filling and topped with a sweet icing, it’s the perfect treat for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. This recipe takes minimal effort but delivers incredible flavor and texture that rivals any bakery pastry. The cream cheese filling is rich and creamy, complemented by the delicate layers of puff pastry, and the Danish icing adds a final touch of sweetness. Whether you’re serving it to guests or enjoying it with a cup of coffee, this easy cream cheese Danish will quickly become a favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Cream Cheese Danish Recipe

This Easy Cream Cheese Danish is the perfect balance of flaky, buttery pastry and sweet, creamy filling. The puff pastry is light and crispy, while the cream cheese filling is tangy and smooth, creating a contrast of textures that’s simply irresistible. The recipe is surprisingly simple, making it ideal for busy mornings or when you want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen. The Danish icing adds a final touch of sweetness that elevates the pastry without overpowering it. Plus, with optional fresh strawberries, you can add a refreshing fruity twist. Best of all, the recipe can be customized to suit your tastes, whether you prefer to keep it classic or add your favorite toppings.

Ingredients

• Puff pastry sheets (two sheets, thawed)
• Cream cheese (room temperature)
• Sugar
• Vanilla extract
• Egg (whisked with water)
• Water
• Powdered sugar
• Heavy cream
• Fresh strawberries (optional)

Variations

• Fruit fillings: In addition to strawberries, you can add other fruits like raspberries, blueberries, or apples for a different twist.
• Cinnamon sugar: Sprinkle cinnamon sugar on top before baking for a spiced version of the Danish.
• Nutty addition: Top with chopped nuts like almonds, walnuts, or pecans for some crunch.
• Glazed version: Skip the fresh strawberries and simply glaze the Danish with the icing for a more classic look.
• Lemon cream cheese: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the cream cheese filling for a citrusy flavor.

How to Make the Easy Cream Cheese Danish Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

Step 2: Prepare the cream cheese filling

In a medium bowl, mix the room-temperature cream cheese with 1 tablespoon of sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. This will be the filling for the Danish.

Step 3: Prepare the puff pastry

Roll out the thawed puff pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface. Cut each sheet into 4 squares, making 8 pieces in total. Gently score a border around each square, about half an inch from the edge, to create a “frame” for the filling.

Step 4: Assemble the Danish

Place a spoonful of the cream cheese mixture in the center of each puff pastry square. Brush the edges of each pastry with the whisked egg and water mixture. This will help the pastry edges turn golden and flaky during baking.

Step 5: Bake the Danish

Place the assembled Danishes on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown.

Step 6: Prepare the Danish icing

While the Danishes are baking, whisk together the powdered sugar and heavy cream in a small bowl until smooth and runny. If you like a thicker icing, add a little more powdered sugar.

Step 7: Finish and serve

Once the Danishes are baked and cooled slightly, drizzle the icing over the top. If you’re using fresh strawberries, slice them and arrange them on top of the Danishes for a burst of color and freshness.

Tips for Making the Easy Cream Cheese Danish Recipe

• Make sure the puff pastry is fully thawed before using it to ensure it bakes properly.
• If you want a golden shine to your pastries, brush the tops with more egg wash before baking.
• Don’t overfill the pastries with cream cheese; a little goes a long way, and you don’t want it to spill out while baking.
• Let the Danishes cool for a few minutes before drizzling the icing so it doesn’t melt into the warm pastry.
• Feel free to experiment with different toppings, such as sprinkles, nuts, or jam.

How to Serve

Serve these Easy Cream Cheese Danishes warm for a delicious breakfast, brunch, or snack. Pair them with a cup of coffee, tea, or even a glass of fresh orange juice for a full treat. They also make a great dessert when served at a party or gathering. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, top them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a sweet finish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Danishes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. They are best enjoyed fresh, but they can still be delicious the next day.

Freezing

To freeze the Danishes, wrap them individually in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer bag or airtight container. They will keep for up to 1 month in the freezer. To reheat, bake from frozen at 350°F for about 10 minutes, or until heated through.

Reheating

To reheat leftover Danishes, place them in the oven at 350°F for about 5-10 minutes until they’re warm and crispy again. You can also warm them in the microwave, but the puff pastry won’t be as crispy.

FAQs

1. Can I use store-bought cream cheese frosting instead of the cream cheese filling?

While cream cheese frosting will work in a pinch, the texture and flavor will differ from the creamy, smooth filling that is ideal for Danishes.

2. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, you can use dairy-free puff pastry and a dairy-free cream cheese substitute to make this recipe dairy-free.

3. Can I use frozen puff pastry?

Yes, frozen puff pastry works perfectly. Just be sure to thaw it completely before using.

4. How can I make the Danishes more flavorful?

You can add zest to the cream cheese filling, such as lemon or orange zest, or stir in a bit of cinnamon for added warmth.

5. Can I make these Danishes without the icing?

Yes, the Danishes are still delicious without the icing, especially if you prefer a less sweet version.

6. Can I add nuts to the filling?

Yes, feel free to add chopped nuts like pecans or almonds to the cream cheese filling for extra texture and flavor.

7. How do I know when the Danishes are done baking?

The pastries should be golden brown and puffed up. The cream cheese filling will be slightly set but soft.

8. Can I make the cream cheese filling ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cream cheese filling ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to a day before using.

9. Can I use jam or preserves instead of fresh strawberries?

Yes, you can top the Danishes with your favorite fruit jam or preserves for a different fruity option.

10. How can I prevent the cream cheese from spilling out while baking?

Be sure to only fill the center of the puff pastry with the cream cheese mixture and leave some space around the edges for the pastry to puff up without spilling.

Conclusion

This Easy Cream Cheese Danish is a quick and indulgent pastry that brings all the charm of a bakery treat into your home. With its buttery puff pastry, smooth cream cheese filling, and sweet icing, it’s a dessert that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, brunch, or as a dessert, it’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Plus, the recipe is easily customizable with different fruit toppings or fillings, making it versatile enough for any occasion.

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